- April 15, 2024
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For women seeking some inspiration and the chance to network with other women in the community, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce has the perfect upcoming event.
Celebrating Extraordinary Women is an event hosted by women — and exclusively for women — to promote well-being, as well as encourage and empower others. Dozens will gather at Tanner Hall Wednesday, Sept. 18, for the event, which promises meaningful and engaging conversation.
“It’s basically an event to bring women (together), and it’s going be a panel of three speakers,” said Kelly Jones, events manager for the chamber. “You’ll be able to hear from them, and it’s (also) open networking. (Women will) be able to build relationships and empower each other, and there will be appetizers and beverages.”
During the chamber’s last Celebrating Extraordinary Women event in March, attendees heard from Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey, as well as Charter Communications’ Marva Johnson and local entrepreneur Ellen Korbin.
“I just hope they can build relationships or strengthen
relationships and inspire each other.” — Kelly Jones
WOCC President Stina D’Uva said that the idea is to bring in local women who have made a mark on the community or within their industry, with the overarching goal of encouraging and uniting other women.
The evening will begin with time for networking and socializing, accompanied by beverages and refreshments. Then, attendees will hear from a panel of three extraordinary West Orange-area businesswomen and community leaders.
Featured on the panel this time around are Orange County School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs, small-business (Twistee Treat) owner Royetta Ginther and Health Central Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Christina McGuirk.
While there is no set topic or theme for the event, Jones and WOCC staff hope that attendees will enjoy an evening of networking, building each other up and learning from other women’s experiences.
“I just hope they can build relationships or strengthen relationships and inspire each other,” Jones said.
Teresa Jacobs is the former mayor of Orange County, a position she served in from 2011 until taking office as school board chair in November 2018. She also has represented District 1 on the Orange County Board of County Commissioners from 2000 to 2008. Jacobs also has served on the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, LYNX Board of Directors and MetroPlan Orlando.
Royetta Ginther, along with her husband, has owned and operated the Twistee Treat in Ocoee for 25 years.
“In this time, as a small-business owner and raising a family, she has learned many life lessons and how to move on and get past it,” the chamber wrote in an email.
Christina McGuirk holds the titles of RN, BSN, MSHA, NEA-BC and CENP Orlando Health AVP — and she also serves as Health Central Hospital’s chief nursing officer. McGuirk has been with the Orlando Health system for more than 20 years, and she serves as a member of the Health Central Executive Team and the Executive Nursing Cabinet.
“She is responsible for executive oversight of nursing services at multiple Orlando Health facilities,” the chamber wrote. “Christina is rich in experience and still finds time to give back to her community via volunteerism while raising a family.”
